QandAs: Food

What is Gruel?

Answer:
Gruel, made famous by Oliver Twist asking

for more of it in Charles Dickens’ novel, is a type of porridge or hot cereal. Gruel has historically not been known for its flavor but rather as a rather bland staple often used as sustenance during difficult times. The porridge can be made of rye, corn, wheat, rice, millet, barley, oats, or other grains which are boiled either in milk or water. Occasionally, when there are no other ingredients available, gruel is made of chestnuts or acorns.

Especially popular with peasants because of its inexpensive ingredients, gruel can be thick, like oatmeal, or extremely watery. Some gruel is eaten with a spoon with other types are drunk as a beverage. Most cultures have at least one type of gruel that is common, whether it be Chinese rice porridge, Irish oatmeal, or Mexican atole. Other ingredients can be added to flavor gruel, like vegetables, fruits, sweeteners, or meat.